Construction Manager in Fayetteville, NC

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Fayetteville, North Carolina.

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The Salary Picture: Where Fayetteville Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Fayetteville isn't the highest-paying market in the state, but it offers a compelling value proposition. The cost of living is significantly lower than in the major metropolitan hubs, which stretches your paycheck further. For Construction Managers, the financial picture is solid, with salaries that comfortably outpace the national average when adjusted for local costs.

The median salary for a Construction Manager in Fayetteville is $105,418 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.68. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210, but don't let that number fool you. The key here is the local purchasing power. The job market is stable, with 419 jobs in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 8%, indicating steady demand driven by both military-related construction and residential development.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential will scale with your experience, certifications, and the complexity of the projects you manage. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Fayetteville area:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Fayetteville)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-4 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Assistant PM, estimating, safety coordination, submittal management.
Mid-Level (5-9 years)	$95,000 - $118,000	Full project management, budgeting, client relations, on-site supervision.
Senior-Level (10-15+ years)	$120,000 - $140,000+	Senior PM, multiple project oversight, business development, complex bids.
Expert/Executive (15+ years)	$145,000 - $170,000+	Director-level, corporate management, strategic planning, high-value client portfolios.

Data compiled from local job postings, BLS data, and industry surveys.

How Fayetteville Compares to Other NC Cities

Fayetteville sits in the middle of the pack for construction manager salaries in North Carolina. It’s not competing with the tech and finance-driven salaries of the Triangle (Raleigh-Durham) but offers a better balance than many smaller towns.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Industries
Fayetteville	$105,418	91.4	Military, Government, Healthcare
Raleigh	$115,000+	102.5	Tech, Biotech, Government
Charlotte	$112,000+	101.5	Finance, Energy, Corporate
Greensboro	$102,000	93.5	Manufacturing, Logistics
Wilmington	$98,000	98.0	Tourism, Port Logistics

Insider Tip: While Raleigh and Charlotte have higher nominal salaries, the competition for top roles is fierce. In Fayetteville, you can often secure a senior position with more manageable project loads and less commute stress. The lower cost of living means your $105,418 salary goes much further here than it would in the Triangle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to the practical math. How far does a median salary of $105,418 go in Fayetteville? We’ll assume you’re single, filing as Head of Household, and paying the average 1BR rent of $1,120/month.

Monthly Take-Home Pay (Estimate):

• Annual Gross: $105,418
• Est. Federal Tax (22% bracket): ~$21,000
• Est. State Tax (NC flat rate 4.75%): ~$5,000
• FICA (7.65%): ~$8,065
• Total Deductions: ~$34,065
• Annual Net Pay: ~$71,353
• Monthly Net Pay: ~$5,946

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Rent)	$1,120	City average. Can be lower or higher by neighborhood.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$250	Fayetteville Electric & Water Systems.
Groceries	$450	Low cost of living helps here.
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Ins.)	$500	Car is a necessity in Fayetteville.
Health Insurance	$350	If employer covers 70%, your share is ~$350.
Retirement (401k/IRA, 10%)	$878	$105,418 * 10% / 12 = $878
Discretionary Spending	$1,398	Dining, entertainment, savings, travel.
TOTAL	~$4,946	Leaves a healthy buffer of ~$1,000/month.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. This is one of Fayetteville’s biggest draws. With a median salary of $105,418, you have excellent buying power.

• Median Home Price (Fayetteville Metro): ~$250,000
• 20% Down Payment: $50,000
• Estimated Monthly Mortgage (PITI at 6.5%): ~$1,700

Your monthly housing cost would jump from $1,120 (rent) to $1,700 (mortgage). This is still very manageable on your net monthly income of $5,946. It represents about 28% of your take-home pay, which is well within the recommended range. Many Construction Managers in the area buy homes in the $250k-$350k range, often within 2-3 years of moving to the city.

Where the Jobs Are: Fayetteville's Major Employers

Fayetteville’s job market for construction managers is uniquely shaped by two major forces: the military and healthcare. Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) is one of the largest military bases in the world, creating a constant stream of government and defense contractor projects.

Here are the key local employers hiring Construction Managers:

1. Fort Liberty (Army Corps of Engineers & Contractors):

   • Details: The base is a beehive of construction activity—from barracks and facilities to training ranges. Major contractors like Hensel Phelps, Fluor, and Balfour Beatty hold large federal contracts.
   • Hiring Trends: Steady demand for PMs with security clearances and federal project experience. Salaries here often exceed the median, with senior PMs earning $130k+.

2. Cape Fear Valley Health System:

   • Details: The region’s largest healthcare provider, with a main campus near downtown and clinics throughout the area. They are in a perpetual state of expansion and renovation.
   • Hiring Trends: They hire PMs for capital projects (new wings, renovations, facility upgrades). Preference for those with healthcare construction experience (ICRA, ILSM). Stable, long-term projects.

3. The City of Fayetteville & Cumberland County:

   • Details: Municipal governments manage a huge portfolio: roads, bridges, water treatment plants, libraries, and public facilities. They hire both direct employees and contract with private firms.
   • Hiring Trends: Public sector jobs offer great benefits and job security. Competition is high. Look for postings on the City and County HR websites.

4. Local/Regional Contractors:

   • Examples: McDevitt Street Bovis (MSB), Hager Construction, R.L. "Bud" Smith & Sons, S.T. Wooten Corporation.
   • Details: These firms handle commercial, industrial, and institutional projects in the region. They are the backbone of the local private construction market.
   • Hiring Trends: They bid on a mix of private commercial work (office buildings, retail, schools) and public projects. Networking is critical here—many jobs are filled through industry connections before they’re posted.

5. Residential Developers (High-Growth Sector):

   • Details: With Fort Liberty's population, Fayetteville's residential market is booming. Companies like Robbins & Robbins, The Hollington Group, and various smaller developers are building single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments in communities like Bordeaux, Arden, and Gray's Creek.
   • Hiring Trends: High demand for PMs who can manage high-volume, fast-paced residential projects. Performance bonuses tied to on-time, on-budget delivery are common.

6. Architectural & Engineering Firms:

   • Examples: Sottile & Associates, McMillan Pazdan Smith, BGE, Inc.
   • Details: These firms often have in-house construction management departments or close ties to contractors. They may hire PMs for owner's representative roles or as part of integrated design-build teams.

Insider Tip: The most lucrative opportunities are often with federal contractors on Fort Liberty. If you can obtain a security clearance (DoD Secret or higher), your value—and salary—increases dramatically. Attend events hosted by the Cumberland County Contractors Association (CCCA) to meet the right people.

Getting Licensed in NC

North Carolina requires a license for construction managers working on projects valued at $30,000 or more. The process is straightforward but requires preparation.

State Licensing Requirements

The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) oversees this.

1. Path 1: Exam-Based License (Most Common)

   • Qualifications: You must prove 4 years of experience in the last 10 years at a journeyman, foreman, supervisor, or contractor level.
   • Exams: Pass the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors (covers business, project management, and law) and the North Carolina Business and Law Exam.
   • Financials: Submit a financial statement showing a net worth of at least $10,000 (you can use a bond in lieu of this).
   • Bond & Insurance: You must provide a surety bond and proof of general liability insurance.
   • Cost: Exam fees are ~$300 each. Application fee is $100. Bond costs vary but expect $500-$1,000 annually.

2. Path 2: Qualification-Based License (For Experienced Pros)

   • If you have a degree in a construction-related field from an accredited university, you can apply for a license based on your resume and qualifications, without taking the NASCLA exam. This is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Timeline to Get Started

• Study Time: 2-3 months for the exams (using prep courses from providers like PrepGenie or Contractor Training Center).
• Application Processing: 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
• Total Time: 3-5 months from decision to licensed contractor.

Insider Tip: Even if you're joining a firm as an employee, having your NC General Contractor's license (or at least being in the process) makes you infinitely more marketable. It shows initiative and deep understanding of state regulations.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Choosing where to live depends on your family situation, commute tolerance, and lifestyle. Here’s a local breakdown:

1. Haymount (Downtown Historic District):

   • Vibe: Walkable, historic, charming. Tree-lined streets, old homes, boutiques, and cafes. Close to the Arts District and the Cape Fear River.
   • Commute: Easy to most office jobs downtown. 15-20 mins to Fort Liberty gate.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,800/month for a 1-2BR apartment or historic home.
   • Best For: Professionals who want a vibrant, walkable urban feel without a big-city price tag.

2. Bordeaux (West of Fort Liberty):

   • Vibe: Family-friendly, suburban. Larger homes, good schools, more green space. Close to shopping centers and the Fort Liberty Main Gate.
   • Commute: Under 20 minutes to most base jobs. 20-25 minutes to downtown.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,400/month for a 1-2BR apartment or townhome.
   • Best For: Families or those working primarily on Fort Liberty who want a quiet, established neighborhood.

3. Arden (South of I-95):

   • Vibe: Up-and-coming, affordable. Mix of older homes and new apartments. Quick access to I-95, making commutes to anywhere in the region easy.
   • Commute: 15-20 mins to downtown, 20 mins to Fort Liberty.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,300/month for a 1-2BR apartment.
   • Best For: Younger professionals or those who travel frequently for work (easy highway access).

4. Gray's Creek (South of the city):

   • Vibe: Rural-suburban, growing fast. Lots of new construction in master-planned communities. More land, more space, but less walkability.
   • Commute: 25-30 minutes to downtown/Fort Liberty.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,600/month for a new 1-2BR apartment or rental home.
   • Best For: Those who want a newer home, a yard, and don’t mind a longer, predictable commute.

Insider Tip: Traffic is manageable except for the I-95 corridor during rush hour and the gates to Fort Liberty. If you're based at the base, live on the west side (Bordeaux, Westover) to avoid the worst traffic. For downtown jobs, Haymount is unbeatable for quality of life.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Fayetteville, career growth for Construction Managers is less about jumping to a bigger city and more about specialization and ownership.

Specialty Premiums

Certain niches command a salary premium due to complexity and demand:

• Federal/Government Work: +10-15% above median. Requires clearances and knowledge of federal procurement (FAR).
• Healthcare Construction: +5-10%. Requires understanding of ICRA, noise/vibration control, and working in occupied facilities.
• Heavy Civil/Public Works: +10-12%. For projects like wastewater plants, roadways, and bridges. Often requires a PE license.
• Residential Development Management: Base + Performance Bonus. High-pressure, high-reward if you can deliver communities on time.

Advancement Paths

1. From PM to Senior PM: Gain experience with larger budgets ($5M+) and more complex projects. Get your PMP or LEED AP certification.
2. From Senior PM to Director/VP of Operations: Move into executive roles at a regional or national firm. This often requires an MBA or extensive business development experience.
3. Entrepreneurial Path: Start your own small firm. The Fayetteville market has room for specialized subcontractors or boutique CM firms that focus on a niche (e.g., historic renovation, military housing). The Cumberland County Contractors Association is the place to network for this path.
4. Consulting/Owner's Rep: With your experience, you can move to the owner's side—working for the city, county, or a large private developer as an owner's representative, managing their contractors.

10-Year Outlook

The 8% job growth is solid. The key drivers will be:

• Fort Liberty's ongoing modernization (new facilities, training areas).
• Aging public infrastructure requiring updates and replacement.
• Continued population growth in the region, driving residential and healthcare expansion.
• Potential for new manufacturing (e.g., EV battery plants) attracted by the region's logistics and workforce.

Insider Tip: The biggest career leap often comes from moving between the public and private sectors. A PM at a federal contractor can become a highly sought-after owner's rep for the Army, and vice-versa. Keep your network active in both circles.

The Verdict: Is Fayetteville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent cost of living – Your $105,418 salary provides a comfortable lifestyle.	Military-dominated economy – Can feel limiting if you’re not connected to or interested in that world.
Stable, diverse job market – Strong demand in federal, healthcare, and residential sectors.	Limited "big city" amenities – Fewer high-end dining, cultural, and entertainment options than Raleigh or Charlotte.
Lower competition for top roles – Easier to stand out than in larger metros.	Car dependency – You'll need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is limited.
Strategic location – Easy access to beaches (2 hrs) and mountains (3.5 hrs). I-95 and I-40 connectivity.	**The "F